The Simpsons

December 17th, 2009 marks the 20th anniversary of The Simpsons, the beloved (and controversial) creation of cartoonist Matt Groening that pushes the envelope by satirizing American culture with characters based on his own family.

By Kurt Anthony Krug

Currently in its 21st season, The Simpsons is the longest-running sitcom, longest-running animated series, and the series with the most guest stars. It has yet to catch up with Gunsmoke, the longest-running television series, but give it time; the show’s been renewed for a 22nd season. There’s only one word to describe this trailblazing show’s success - in the immortal words of bumbling patriarch Homer Simpson: “Woo-hoo!”

The Simpsons first appeared on FOX in 1987 as animated shorts which were aired before and after commercial breaks during the short-lived The Tracey Ullman Show. Two years later, the sketches were developed into a half-hour prime time show which today has grown to become a piece of Americana and a franchise juggernaut. The main characters are: Homer, a lovable buffoon; Marge, his poor put-upon wife who holds the family together; Bart, the hellion underachiever best known for saying, “Eat my shorts!” and “Don’t have a cow, man!”; Lisa, the kind antithesis of Bart and highly-intelligent overachiever; and Maggie, the baby who’s remained a baby for 20 years, yet can hold her own with a gun (just ask Mr. Burns). Interestingly enough, the main characters are named for members of Groening’s family with the exception of Bart, substituted for Matt’s own name.

The Simpsons revolutionized the depiction of the typical middle-class American family, according to Al Jean, 48, a Farmington Hills-based Harrison High School and Harvard University alumnus. An executive producer since 2001, Jean has been involved with the series since the start and is currently THE BIG PICTURE • THE SIMPSONS Groening’s second-in-command.

Groening’s second-in-command. “Even at the beginning, it was a terrific show. It’s the best thing I ever worked on,” said Jean. “It’s so relatable. Everybody brings to the show things from their childhood. Average people like these shows because they reflect what they are. They see themselves. It’s bizarre. It’s a job to me, and it’s something I never experienced as a phenomenon from the outside. I think it’s incredibly gratifying when y ou do something people love and can’t wait to talk to you about.”

Jean was heavily involved in 2007’s The Simpsons Movie. He confessed to be worried that it would be a $10 episode rather than a movie. His reservations were in vain, however, as the theatrical release was well received, grossing more than $527 million. “We contributed a great deal to the film, and I’m proud of it,” said Jean. “I’ve always wanted to work on a successful movie, and I have.”

Jean never predicted The Simpsons would become an American cultural icon airing for 20 years. “I could never say I expected that,” he said. “When I started, I wanted the show to last 20 weeks. I’m thrilled by all the years it’s lasted. It’s all been unbelievable.”

A number of factors have contributed to The Simpson’s staying power. The fact that it’s animated and the characters don’t age helps a great deal. Marcia Wallace, who won an Emmy for her portrayal as Edna Krabappel, Bart’s teacher, added: “If I was 30 years younger, I’d get lucky everyday because 20-something fans love the show. It went from controversial to mainstream because this family cares truly about each other. I love Edna. I’d love to see Edna have a run-in with Principal Skinner’s mother. It’s great job security - Bart’ll never be out of the 4th grade.”

Popularity also stems from the show’s star appearances. Celebrity voices have included The Beatles’ Paul McCartney and George Harrison, former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, Elizabeth Taylor, Meryl Streep, Michelle Pfeiffer, U2, Kelsey Grammer, Christopher Walken, Amy Poehler, Liam Neeson, and Kiefer Sutherland. The list goes on. “We try to stay fresh and have shows that stay current 10 years later,” explained Jean.

Additionally, Jean shares another “key thing about the show - it’s a family. The way you survive is through the love of your family. Homer would never cheat on Marge as I see it. Homer even loves Bart. I have a soft spot for Lisa. Many of my scripts feature Lisa because you can get intelligence and emotion.”

With creative content and a devoted production team, The Simpsons is sure to continue running right up the record charts. Of its success, Al Jean shares one final piece of advice. “The secret is to never take it for granted and treat each show like it’s the first one you’ve ever done.”

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